Dogs

New State laws to be introduced in July

On 1 July 2018 new laws around cat and dog care and management will come into effect.

The laws and rules include:

Mandatory microchipping of cats and dogs

Desexing of dogs and cats born after the 1 July 2018

New rules for breeders who sell dogs and cats

Introduction of a State-wide database, called Dogs and Cats Online.

These new laws and rules will simplify dog registration process, make it easier to reunite lost dogs and cats with their owners, help identify and put a stop to puppy farms and reduce euthanasia rates.

Registering your dog

From 1 July 2018 all domestic pet registrations are handled by DACO (Dogs and Cats Online) including online payments. You must renew your registration by 31 August each year. To register a new dog you will need to provide:

Your identification

Your concession card (for a reduction in registration costs)

Any forms related to micro-chipping, de-sexing and training (for a reduction in registration costs)

These forms can be uploaded to the DACO website or you may present your documents in person to Council to process at the Wakefield Regional Council Civic Offices located on Scotland Place, Balaklava from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.

For more information on dog limits and specifications for the Wakefield Regional Council district, please view the Council By-Law. If for any reason you wish to apply for an exemption for the By-Law, you will need to submit a By-Law Exemption Form to the Council office.

ChipBlitz

ChipBlitz is a program run by Lost Pets of South Australia. They offer affordable microchipping for just $10 each pet.

There is estimated to be 4.2million dogs in Australia, that’s 19 dogs for every 100 people. Cats come in second with an estimated 3.3mThere is estimated to be 4.2million dogs in Australia, that’s 19 dogs for every 100 people. Cats come in second with an estimated 3.3million in Australia. That’s 15 cats for every 100 people! That’s a lot of cats and dogs!

The simple fact is a microchipped pet has a better chance of getting home quicker than one that isn’t. A pet that is able to be returned directly to their owner also decreases the enormous burden on our shelters holding lost pets and reduces the cost to local councils. illion in Australia. That’s 15 cats for every 100 people! That’s a lot of cats and dogs!

The program is a 'pop-up' store service and frequents community spaces and council areas.

Barking Dogs

Dogs make wonderful pets and companions for people of all ages. But what do you do if your dog is becoming a nuisance to your neighbours due to excessive barking?

Dog barking is one of the most commonly reported problems to Council. Barking is a perfectly natural and common behavior in dogs. However, excessive, prolonged or repetitive barking is an issue that needs to be addressed.

As a dog owner you are responsible for making sure your dog’s barking does not become a problem. It is your responsibility to take control of the well-being of your dog, including its physical and mental well-being.